I did most of my ranting in my “Delay Post,” so I’m going to lay off the daily rant and keep this one positive.So, I missed the Providence flight. But I swear to the good people of Rhode Island, if it’s the only state I have missed as this thing starts to come to an end, I will make it there. I know for a fact the folks back at home are already concocting mad schemes to make it happen. After the Providence delay I ran into some problems with US Airways. Since I missed that flight, I missed the first leg (out of Providence back to Philadelphia) of a two-leg journey (I’m flying on from Philadelphia to Burlington, VT). Once you miss the first leg of a trip, you’re automatically canceled for the following leg. This is not looking good…and it only got worse….

I called US Airways this morning and tried to explain/argue about the delay and the situation, but they were no help.

In order to guarantee we were both on the plane for Burlington I had to pay a change fee and a change-of-fare fee on two tickets (over $800 total). Now, as soon as we got to the airport we rectified the situation and got our money back.

The lesson of all this? Never call the 1-800 number of an airline if you actually need help. Seriously, someone from the airline even told us that.

Despite the insanity of the delay, I had a lot of fun yesterday. While we waited in New Hampshire, the Southwest crew served us drinks and donut holes, and one of them even sang me a song. I also realized that my preconceived notions of poor customer service on the airlines and the annoying habits of the TSA might have been a little off.

I know that everyone has different experiences with the airlines, and believe me, I have some serious issues with a few people I’ve run into, but on the whole, people have been incredibly kind and helpful.

From the gate agent that got us our refund today to the TSA guys in New Hampshire who serenaded me with “Can’t Touch This” (I was wearing my Hammer shirt) and then helped me collect all of my things and load up my cart, and many others in between. I don’t know, maybe it’s the suit.

We’re almost half-way there. The fog lifted, and it’s sunny in Philadelphia as we head out to Vermont. Oh, and I got a boss hat that says “Live Free or Die: New Hampshire.” Day 5 is already looking pretty good.

–GS

Grumpy Scale: 1

What’s on Grumpy Santa’s iTunes? Patton Oswalt (Werewolves and Lollipops) - Great stand-up comedy to keep the mood light (not a disc for the kids).